9/15/23

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Our first full week is under our belts and what a week it was with so much rain, but things are looking up. Our sports teams have just begun practices and are gearing up for their first meets/games. Our clubs will be getting underway shortly and a full list will be available on our website.

Today we are holding our 7th grade Get Acquainted Dance right after school. The dance is a chance for our 7th graders to socialize as a class and get to know each other while having some fun. We intend to hold some additional dances throughout the year.

Our Open House is next Wednesday, September 20th. Parents/Guardians will pick up their child’s schedule in their advisory classroom at 6pm and then follow their child’s schedule for the rest of the evening. Please note that this open house is only for parents/guardians. The open house letter can be found below in the newsletter. Also as a reminder, September 22nd is our first early release day, students will be dismissed at 11:45am.

Please remember that unless your child receives Free/reduced lunch benefits, lunch is not free this year, only breakfast is free for all. Many students currently have balances that must be paid, please check your child’s account online. Should you have any questions/concerns regarding the lunch program, please see contact information below in the Raptor Report.

Parents/Guardians picking up for afterschool activities around 3:45-4 pm need to be aware and patient when our late buses are loading students. We have had people in the past, trying to pass our buses as they were loading which is a major safety issue. Additionally, the front of the school is a one-way road, so turning around to avoid a stopped bus is also not allowed and puts everyone at risk.

That’s all I have for this week, there are a few additional notes/reminders below. As always, please let us know if you have any questions.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

Thank you.

Michael Seroussi

• September 20- Open House 6:00 PM- 8:30 PM
• September 22- Early Dismissal 11:45 AM
• September 22- 8th Grade HS Alternative Options Presentation
• October 3- Pie Fundraiser Begins
• October 6- No School (PD Day)
• October 9- Columbus Day (No school)
  
• October 16- MS Picture Retakes
• October 18- Fall Sports Pictures
• October 19- Drama United Production
• October 20- Pie Fundraiser Orders Due
• October 24- PSAT 8
• October 26- RHAM MS Fall Concert
• October 27- Early Dismissal 11:45 AM

*All dates are subject to change*

**Sport and activity dates can be found under appropriate labeled sections below**

Please join the RHAM High School girls Cross Country team in their first annual RHAM Color Run. The run will be held October 21st at RHAM High School. Please grab a flyer from your advisory teacher for more information on how to register, or see Miss Mondo in purple team

Recent studies are showing that social media has a negative effect on the mental health of preteen and teen girls. Click here to learn some ways you can support your child's mental health and well being when it comes to social media.

The Guidance Department has some groups up and running. At the end of September School Counselors will be starting a group for students who are new to the district if they choose to participate. We're hoping this helps our new students make some connections and feel welcome here at RHAM MS! If your student is interested in joining a group or a lunch bunch please have them reach out to their School Counselor.

Grade 7: School Counselors have been reviewing the responses to the Getting to Know you form 7th graders completed! Here are a few things we've learned about your families and your children:

• Many of you have dogs!
• A good amount of students enjoy participating in sports while others enjoy shopping, crafting, and singing.
• Some important things students wanted us to know are that they sometimes feel anxious, they enjoy helping others, and that family and friends are important to them.

8th Grade: On Friday September 22nd School Counselors will be hosting an Alternative High School Presentation for our 8th grade students. This will be held during the school day. 8th graders will have the opportunity to hear presentations from some of the high schools they can choose to apply to/attend next year.

The following schools will be represented:

• RHAM High School

• Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT)

• Connecticut IB Academy (CIBA)

• Connecticut River Academy at Goodwin University

• Glastonbury Agriscience and Technology

• Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts (GHAA)

• Lebanon Regional Agricultural Science and Technology

• Windham Technical High School

Attention 8th grade parents - This is a friendly reminder that every 8th grade student is required to have a physical during their 6th or 7th grade year. The physical must be dated between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2023.

Attention 7th grade parents - This is a friendly reminder that every 7th grade student is required to have a physical during their 6th or 7th grade year. The physical must be dated between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024. Please submit your child's physical to the school nurse as soon as possible. Link for a blank copy of health assessment is found below. Students can bring the paperwork to the nurse's office or you may email them to Lucy Bernier at lucy.bernier@rhamschools.org. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the nurses office.

FRIENDLY REMINDER - If your child is going to be absent from school, arriving late, or dismissing early, you must report to the school by either filling out the Nurse's Office Form or calling (860)228-9423 X4008 by 8:30 A.M. The link can also be found on the RHAM Middle School website under the “Parents” tab.

• Late buses run Monday - Thursday (No Fridays).

• Students are picked up at the Middle School around 4:00pm.

• There is 1 bus per town.

• Bus routes are determined at the time of pickup, based upon how many students are on the bus and student locations, the amount of time it takes to get home will vary. You might not be dropped off at your actual home, you could be dropped off up to 1 mile away.

• You will report to the library after your activity or event and wait there doing school work, etc until the late bus arrives.

• You must be staying after school for an event or activity.

You can’t leave the school grounds then come back to take the late bus.

Food Services

Kate Caselli, General Manager

Email: Kathleen.caselli@rhamschools.org

Office: 860-228-9474 ext. 3710

Welcome to RHAM!

Where Can I Find the Menu?

https://www.fdmealplanner.com/

It will also be included in the weekly Raptor Report.

We have two lunch waves, the first one starts at 10:35 am and the second one starts at 11:20 am. We know that students often get hungry either before/and or after lunch so they bring a snack to keep in their locker.

We like to remind everyone that, because of allergies, no nut products are allowed in school. There are times when families find themselves in need of some support to ensure that their children are able to get lunch at school. If you feel that you are in need of some support then please see the Free/Reduce information under the parent tab and then click on food service. (https://rms.rhamschools.org/parents/FoodService/free_and_reduced_info )

Club & Activities - New Dates & Times have been updated for the 2023-2024 school year:

It is never too late to join a club or activity. Even if a club has already started, most clubs have the ability for you to jump right into. Please see the office or club advisor for details

• Drama United: Drama United is a program designed to dissolve typical barriers between youth through transformative, school-based performing arts. Students with and without disabilities, of all backgrounds, come together as equals to put on a production entirely organized, written, and directed by students to put the spotlight on ability. Start date is September 7th (Peers Only) September 12th (Full Cast) Drama United will be running Tuesdays and Thursdays (Full Cast) Wednesdays (Peers Only) from 2:15 to 3:30 in the High School Auditorium. Any questions please contact Ms. Spodobalski or Ms. Emma Filosa.

• Card and Game Club: is an after school club for card games and board games. Start date is October 5th. The club meets every other Thursday from 2:15 to 3:15 in room 103 Mr. Conroy’s room. Any questions please contact Mr. Conroy.

• The Drama Club: Will be holding auditions for 'Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic' on Wednesday, September 6th and Friday, September 8th after school in the auditorium. All those interested may pick up an audition packet from the main office. Any questions please contact Ms. Emma Filosa

• Jazz Band: Jazz Band is an ensemble for students in Band who want to learn and perform Jazz Music. It meets every week for the year, with many performances throughout the year. Students who sign-up should plan to participate for the year. Will be held every Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:15 pm.

• Literary Magazine: Interested in creative writing, graphic design, artwork, poetry, music, formatting, editing, web design, or just creating content for an online magazine? If so, Rhamblings is for you! Rhamblings is RHAM MS’s online literary and art magazine. We produce two issues a year and are always looking for contributors as well as those who just want to help publishing and web design. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you at our next meeting! This club starts on September 26th and meets once a month on Tuesdays from 2:15 to 3:15 PM.

• Ski and Snowboard Club: The club takes 5 trips each year to Ski Sundown in New Hartford. Signups start in October for the trips that start in January. The trips are starting after the new year and buses leave the school at 2:15 pm and return at 8:15 pm. All students are welcome. Lessons and rentals are available. Please see the announcement above with links to forms and information.

• Student Council: Serves as an advisory group for the student body to the administration. All students are volunteers and have been chosen already for this year. Students discuss current issues concerning the schoolhouse climate, activities that are school-wide and special events. Students may be involved in planning special events for the 7th or 8th grade class separately as the need arises.

• F.P.S (Future Problem Solvers): FPS develops problem solving skills through creative and critical thinking while learning about world issues, preparing students to compete against other schools in Connecticut and around the world. This club meets Monday evenings at RHAM High School (Rm 119) from 6:45 - 8:00 pm starting on September 11th. For more information, contact Sherri Pelletier at sherri.pelletier@gmail.com.

• Home Economics Club: Do you like cooking? Maybe cooking from around the world? Do you like crafting and doing different hands-on projects? How about learning some cool life skills?! Then the home economics club is for you! We are having our first official meeting on October 18th, after school in room 226. We will be celebrating el Día de los Muertos, the day of the dead, and are making a craft and cooking something exciting! If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Barber or Mrs. Gonzalez for more information! It meets every other Wednesday until approximately 3:30pm.

• World Language Club: The World Language Club provides students with an opportunity to expand their knowledge about the Spanish and French language and culture. We explore and experience various aspects of different cultures by participating in food tastings, holiday celebrations, foreign film viewings, music, dance, and much more. Our club meets every other Thursday after school from 2:20 pm until 3:00 pm in rooms 200 and 201. Please see Mrs. Sanady or Mr. Ndao if you have any questions. All students are welcome to join! First meeting will be Thursday September 21st.

• Environmental Club: Interested in helping out the environment, supporting wildlife and green spaces? Then the Environmental Club is the place for you! Come join us in room 110 every other Thursday from 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm starting on September 28th. All students are welcome.

• Math Club: It meets every other Wednesday from 2:15 - 3:30 pm in Room 100. Starting on Wednesday September 27th.

• Math Lab: Math lab is a quiet working time for students who are looking for extra help or enrichment in their math classes. It is a drop-in program after school on Tuesdays. Students do not need to sign up in advance to attend. You may drop in any Tuesday or Thursday from 2:20 - 3:30 in Mrs. Kane’s room 101 and Ms. Wang's room 217.

• GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) Club: The Gender Sexuality Alliance, or GSA, is a club for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. We participate in a combination of advocacy and social fun activities every other Thursday throughout the school year. This club meets in the Team Room every other Thursday from 2:15 to 3:15 PM starting September 28th.

• Lego League/ Club: Are you a Lego Master? Do you enjoy building Lego structures? Want to hang out with other Lego builders? Come to Lego Club. Lego Club is the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2:20 to 3:30 PM in Room 123. Start date is TBD.

• TSA/VEX Club: Students interested in Robotics, Computer programming, Aerodynamics come to the TSA/VEX Club. TSA/VEX is the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:30 to 3:30 PM in rooms 122 and 123. Start date is TBD.

• RHAM Alt. Energy Race Team MS: Looking on how to build and gear a vehicle that is powered by batteries? This is the Club. The Race Team will race their vehicles in May 2024. This Club will run on Thursdays from 2:25 to 3:30/3:45 PM in room 122. Start date of this club is TBD.

• Newspaper Club: Students help create and publish the RHAM Middle School newspaper. Please see Mrs. Sue Lynch (Rm 142) for more information. This Club meets every Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:30/4:00 PM.

• Yearbook Club: Please join us in creating the 2023/2024 Middle School Yearbook. This club runs every other Tuesday from 2:15 to 3:30 PM in room 123.

• Footnotes: Footnotes is a group voice lesson club available to anyone who would like to learn how to sing solo! From pop music, to classical - we cover anything you'd like to sing! Footnotes meet on Wednesdays 2 times a month from 2:15 to 3pm in the Chorus room 229. Starting date September 13, 2023.

Good Afternoon RHAM Middle School Families,

Below is a registration/eligibility reminder for Middle School Student-Athletes planning to participate in Fall Sports. At the middle school level, we offer Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Boys Cross Country, and Girls Cross Country in the Fall. The coaches for each team will schedule an informational meeting to check eligibility, go over tryouts, and communicate practice schedules during the first week of school. This will be announced to students and sent out to parents as well. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!

RHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL SPORTS MEETING AND TRYOUT INFORMATION:

Cross Country practice begins afterschool on 9/11 any questions see or email Mr. Kanaitis (kevin.kanaitis@rhamschools.org)

**All times subject to change. Coaches will provide updates.**

RHAM Middle School Student-Athlete Pre-Season Participation Checklist

1.) Complete FamilyID Registration:

a. Complete and submit registration via RHAM Middle School FamilyID. (https://www.familyid.com/rham-middle-school-athletics/rham-middle-school-fall-2023-athletics-registration)

b. If you have an account already, log in and use previous information to register for current season.

c. If this is you or your family’s first time registering for athletic participation through FamilyID, create a new account and register for the current season. Your information is now saved and will make future registrations easy.

2.) Submit a valid State of CT School Health Assessment Record Form to the Athletic Director’s Office.

a. Page 1-Completed and signed by parents.

b. Page 2-Completed and signed by medical provider.

i. CT Health Assessment Record Link: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/School-Nursing/Forms/HAR3.pdf

***YOUR PHYSICAL EXAM FOR ATHLETICS EXPIRES AFTER 13 MONTHS. AN EXPIRED PHYSICAL WILL RESULT IN INELIGIBILITY***

3.) Complete a concussion baseline test. These expire every two years. If you do not have an up to date concussion baseline test, you will not be able to participate. Upon registering on FamilyID, you will be able to check the expiration status. If no information is listed, email daniel.trudeau@rhamschools.org to notify.

a. If you’re test is expired you may retake it at home by following the instructions

AT HOME INSTRUCTIONS FOR BASELINE CONCUSSION TESTING-RHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL

1. Go to: https://www.impacttestonline.com/htmllauncher/

2. Enter customer code: 2fc3a5690f

3. Click “Validate” and then “Launch Baseline Test”

4. Register and follow instructions to take Impact Test.

**NO TALKING, CELL PHONES, OR ANY OTHER DISTRACTIONS WHILE CONDUCTING TEST.**

5. Complete the test and check result. If taking test for first time, your result needs to read “Baseline”. If it reads “Baseline++”, a second test needs to be taken. (A loud or distracting environment can result in a “Baseline++” reading.) Once completed, close browser and the record is automatically logged in our software.

**TEST CANNOT BE TAKEN ON A CELL PHONE**

THESE STEPS MUST BE COMPLETED TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE